Eric Berry, FS, Tennessee

Berry was considered by many to be the best player in college football early last season, although that probably changed due to the performances of other defensive stars like Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy. Still, Berry is right up there. He did it all for an otherwise mediocre Tennessee football team throughout the past two and a half seasons. In 2009 he ranked second on the team in both total tackles (87) and solo tackles (57). Berry also had seven tackles for loss, two interceptions, seven pass breakups, three quarterback hurries, two fumbled recoveries, and one forced fumble. Not only does the safety have a nose for the football, but he also knows what to do with it when it is put in his hands. While he is extremely effective in pass coverage, Berry was also a major asset to the Volunteer run defense as well, and he is no stranger to highlight reels thanks to frequent heavy hitting. It's hard to find any kind of weakness in Berry's game; all you can really say is that he does not quite have imposing size at 5'11' and 203 pounds. He has had minor left shoulder trouble in the past, but he has to be considered a durable player having started every single game in his college career dating back to his 2007 arrival in Knoxville. He did, however, sprain a toe during his pro day in March and had to cut the workout short. Still, that should be a non-issue. Ready to be an immediate impact player at the next level, Berry obviously departed Tennessee after his junior campaign. It does not look like he will be No. 1 overall as the Rams could use Sam Bradford at QB if they don't go with Suh. Berry, however, has No. 1 overall talent and he will be a major steal if he somehow drops out of the Top 5.

You are exactly right reggerlad, thats why the Lions need him at the other S spot! Detroits blitz packages were the worst in the league last year. We never got the the QB because wideouts were wide open with our CB's off the ball 12 yards= horrible! With two great safeties, we can press on the outside with cover 2 all day! This will improve our pass rush, and we can get great value picks on the D-line in the 2nd and 3rd round. Suh is gonna be gone, and McCoy benched 225 20 times for a DT, pathetic! I see him being a bust for the Lions and we can find a DT in the second round! Our best bet is probably to trade the pick so we can get a LT and DT for one number 2 pick!

Posted by:
B atch 03/01/10 03:12 AM

Prediction: 1st Round

Could drop a bit due to the nature of the position not going high historically, but if a team could go back in time and draft Ed Reed (24th) or Troy Polamalu (16th) higher I'll bet they would. Berry won't fall that far though. definitely top 10.